38th College Day

The annual College Day is certainly one of the most important days for VJC each year. Regrettably, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two College Days were significantly muted as we celebrated online. However, this year was different, and it was a welcomed change. VJC celebrated her 38th College Day on 23rd July 2022 as one Victorian family in the school hall. The warmth and pride from hearing applause and celebrating our achievements with loved ones was a joy that many of us missed and took for granted. It was truly a special occasion for alumni, current students, parents and teachers alike to gather in person for the first time in two years to honour VJC’s numerous achievements.

We were joined at this ceremony by Professor Teo Yik Ying, Dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, and a former Victorian. There was a loud applause as everyone stood to acknowledge the arrival of the professor, which marked the commencement of College Day. The opening performance was by the Chinese Orchestra, who performed  “Beauty in Adversity”, an original composition by Mr Lim Kiong Pin, the conductor. His contribution paid tribute to our tireless frontline heroes for their sacrifices and contributions made during the pandemic. 

The award ceremony recognised Victorians who have excelled in their studies, contributed significantly to their CCAs, and have displayed exemplary conduct, dedication and outstanding sportsmanship for their exceptional performance and contributions to the college. It also honoured members of the public who volunteered to significantly contribute to our school with the MOE Service to Education Award, outstanding partners of the college with the VJC Partner Appreciation Award and VJC staff for their long service to the college with the VJC Long Service Award. Students who had received scholarships and other outstanding awards like the Arts Alumni Humanities Excellence Award, the Dr. Ong Chit Chung Trophy for Outstanding Service to the College, the OVA Gold Medal for Outstanding Students, and many others, were also recognised. 

To conclude the awards presentation, the valedictorian of the Class of 2021, Kiran S/O Kasinathan of 20S61, was invited on stage. He was a member of the 37th Students’ Council and is the recipient of the MOE Pre-University Scholarship, the VJC Scholarship and the Public Service Commission Scholarship in the Teaching Service. He stood proudly in the centre of the stage as the emcees read out the long list of his achievements, drawing gasps of awe from the audience. 

In his speech, he shared that he was grateful for the safe, loving and supportive space VJC offered him to be his authentic self. “Life is way too short to be anyone other than yourself,” he expressed. “No matter how much you try to please others, someone will always have something to say.” 

He mused that the mantra of striving to be a better version of oneself every day does not always hold true, and that the action of taking a step back to appreciate oneself for who they are is perfectly fine. “For me, VJ has allowed me to explore these parts of myself. As a leader, as a student, as a person, and definitely as a friend. And I will definitely be forever grateful for that,” he reflected with a grin. “The journey of self-discovery never ends.” He concluded his heartfelt speech with a self-composed poem titled Letter to Victoria, and encouraged current students to make full use of their time in VJC to explore new things, fail, and try again.

Kiran was then awarded with the prestigious Wong Hung Khim Trophy for Student of the Year, which was as large as his upper body, to rousing applause. Professor Teo was then invited on stage and was presented with a Bonsai tree as a token of appreciation, to represent harmony and balance.

The highly anticipated concert segment kicked off with a unique performance by VJC’s very own Dance Club. They performed two items, with Latin and Egyptian elements weaved into each piece respectively. Next, the VJChoir serenaded the audience with a rendition of No Man is an Island and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Students and alumni proudly stood up to face the magnificent VJC flag at the back of the hall and sang the Victorian anthem with gusto, while putting their arms around their friends. At the end of the anthem, the energetic Student Council led the student body with cheers of the unmistakable “Yo VJC!”, and the audience enthusiastically continued the Victorian cheer, a true testament to the Victorian spirit.

In the heartwarming words of Kiran: “Thank you Victoria. Because of you, I finally believe we can be something more.”

Nil Sine Labore.